Roberto Mancini warns Italy ‘must always start from the concept of attack rather than defence’ as they aim for their first ever victory in Bulgaria.
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 GMT in Sofia.
The Azzurri began their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-0 victory over Northern Ireland, while Bulgaria lost 3-1 at home with Switzerland.
Roberto Mancini warns Italy ‘must always start from the concept of attack rather than defence’ as they aim for their first ever victory in Bulgaria.
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 GMT in Sofia.
The Azzurri began their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-0 victory over Northern Ireland, while Bulgaria lost 3-1 at home with Switzerland.
“We will make changes from the side that played Northern Ireland, but we don’t know how many yet. It will depend on what condition the lads are in,” said the coach in his press conference.
Giorgio Chiellini, Domenico Berardi and Francesco Caputo have already left the Italy camp and returned to their clubs, with Moise Kean, Jorginho and Bryan Cristante pulling out beforehand.
Some expected considerably more than a 2-0 victory against arguably the weakest team in the group.
“Every game is difficult and they must all be faced with the utmost concentration. We are here to win. History shows Italy have never won in Bulgaria, and that means it’s not an easy place to play.
“Compared to Northern Ireland, Bulgaria are less physical, but they have better technique on the ball.”
The Nazionale dominated the first half against Northern Ireland, then seemed to sit on their 2-0 lead.
“We must realise that we’re not a team who can just control a game like that. We must always start from the concept of attack rather than defence.
“It was a good first half, in the second we tried to control it, but I wouldn’t go so far as to say it was a bad half. We just didn’t do as well as in previous games.”